Page 24 of Hateful Games

“Excuse me?” I yell at his back. His long strides eating the distance quickly. When he whips around, I observe his distressed black denim jeans and fitted tee, displaying his abundant muscles. “I think you missed a word there called please.”

“If you didn’t sleep like the dead, you would’ve heard me when I came by an hour ago. Now we’re late.”

“What made you think I would want to go out with you in the first place?”

“I don’t trust you to leave you alone here. So, you don’t really have a choice, love.”

Asshole. “I’m not coming.”

“You’ll like where I’m going and might even have fun. Unless you’re allergic to it.”

Well played. “Fine. Only because I have nothing better to do.”

“Of course.” His voice is mocking.

Closing the door, I hurry up to get dressed. I might as well have some fun before Nova’s presence inevitably ruins it tomorrow. God, I hope he stays busy. However, knowing my luck, it definitely won’t happen.

Half an hour later, I’m dressed in a similar fashion. Dark denim and a black top with a knot in the middle, leaving my midriff and piercing bare. I tie my hair in a high ponytail, put on hoop earrings, and paint my lips red with soft blush on my cheeks.

Before leaving, I grab my leather jacket in case it gets chilly or rains.

When I meet Malcolm at the door, he runs an appreciative glance down my frame before his features turn frosty again. Five minutes later, he’s seated behind his wheel, which is a sleek royal blue Mustang. I’m both envious and thrilled as it purrs to life and we’re off on the road.

When I finally get my adrenaline under control, I ask, “Where are we going?”

“You’ll see.”

“I don’t like suspense.”

“Too bad.”

“Do you find it hard to make friends or something?”

He glances at me, at the sudden one-eighty in the topic. “No. Why?”

“Because it’s the only explanation I can think of about you being friends with Nova. You must be really desperate for friendship, huh?”

“Just ’cause you hate the guy, doesn’t mean everyone does.”

If he only knew our history, let alone our families’.

I gaze out the window as we zoom past different streets until he takes us to the university’s campus. A Russell Group institution. My parents had tried to coerce me into studying abroad but I chose not to.

The sudden realization hits and I feel mildly betrayed. Turning, I hiss, “You brought me here to Nova.”

“Don’t worry. He doesn’t know you’re with me.”

“What are you plotting in that head of yours?”

“A distraction.”

“I don’t consent to it.”

“It’ll piss off Nova.”

Why didn’t he just say that? “What do have you in mind?”

Chapter Seven

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